Discussing Disability

In this inspiring episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise talks with Trent McFadden, Assistant Vice President of SOAR365’s Ability One program, and Will Froude, a U.S. Army veteran and small engine mechanic on SOAR365’s Bellwood team. Together, they explore how the Ability One program—powered by a partnership with SourceAmerica—creates meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans. Will shares his ...

This month on Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise sits down with Dr. Sarah Kranz-Ciment, founder and executive director of Friendship Circle of Virginia, to explore how her organization is building a more inclusive Richmond — one friendship at a time.

Learn how Friendship Circle connects people with and without disabilities through meaningful relationships, creative programs, and community-wide events. Sarah shares how the organiz...

What does it mean to belong? In this episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise sits down with Logan Kleene, a participant in SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program, and his mom Lynda Kleene to share their inspiring story of growth, independence, and connection.

Logan, who has autism, speech and language challenges, and developmental delays, has found a welcoming place at SOAR365 — where he learns new skills, makes friends, and f...

Summer camp is more than just fun — it’s a place to build memories, friendships, and confidence. In this episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise sits down with Tricia Puryear, SOAR365’s Vice President of Human Services, to explore what makes Camp Baker such a special experience for children and adults with disabilities.

Tricia shares her own professional journey and explains how Camp Baker delivers an inclusive, accessible,...

College can be a transformative experience — and with the right support, students with disabilities can thrive academically, socially, and personally. In this episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise talks with Chris Parthenos, Associate Director of VCU’s Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) office, about how universities can foster equity and belonging for students with disabilities.

Chris shares his own...

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions of workers with disabilities, and to reaffirm the importance of access to good jobs for all. In this episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise talks with two SOAR365 team members whose stories embody the spirit of inclusion and perseverance.

First, Nate chats with Randy Britt, Director of Commercial G...

What does it mean to see someone like you competing on the world stage? In this inspiring episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise sits down with Hannah Smith, a wheelchair basketball player, disability advocate, and founder of the See It Be It Project.

Hannah shares her personal journey as an athlete and leader, how she became a passionate advocate for adaptive sports through Sportable, and what it was like to receive the B...

Volunteers are the heart of so many nonprofits — and at SOAR365, they make life-changing opportunities possible for individuals with disabilities every day. In this episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise sits down with two special guests to talk about the power of volunteering and how anyone can make a difference.

First, Nate talks with Liz Harris, SOAR365’s Manager of Volunteer Engagement, about the vital roles volunteers...